International airport status for Tulihal from July, says Ibobi
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 30 2013:
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has asserted that Imphal (Tulihal) Airport will become operational as an international airport from first week of July.
The CM made the assertion while inspecting the existing and as well as newly developed/constructed infrastructure of the State's only airport today.
His Ministerial colleagues and top Government officials were also present during the infrastructure assessment tour.
Ibobi also talked to Airport Authority officials with regard to infrastructure requirement, if any, in Tulihal airport.
He also instructed representatives of construction agencies to ensure completion of pending works within May and to maintain prescribed quality control.
Conceding that the earlier target to launch Tulihal Airport as an international destination from June onward is unlikely to materialise as certain infrastructure development components could not be completed within the expected period, the Chief Minister nevertheless affirmed that from first week of July month the only airport in the state will become an international airport.
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Confiding that the Airport Authority of India had assigned the task of exterior infrastructure development of the airport to Central Public Works Department, he further maintained that State's Police Housing Corporation has enlisted 4-5 work agencies for renovation and floor works.
Expressing that on becoming fully operational as an international airport, Tulihal Airport will be witnessing landing of flights having about 400-passenger capacity, Ibobi said availability of such facility would also ensure convenient conveyance of locals to foreign destinations.
With apparent reference to protests from private land owners in the initial stage of the airport expansion plan, he clarified that for development/construction of any institution under Central Government sponsorship it is the responsibility of the State concerned to provide or arrange requisite land and compensate the affected land owners.
With the completion of 700 acres land acquisition, Tulihal Airport presently commands about 1100 acres, said the Chief Minister and reiterated confidence that citizens of Manipur will be able to travel to foreign countries in a more convenient manner.
Among others, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar Singh, MLA RK Anand Singh, Chief Secretary DS Poonia and top ranking officials of various departments accompanied the Chief Minister.
The official team of the AAI led by K Kemalatha arrived here yesterday to oversee the preparations for the upgradation work.